Page 182 of Vengeance

Judge Montgomery clasps his hands. “Well, now that’s out of the way. I’d like to bring the board on stage and thank them for everything they’ve done this year. We’ve had quite the success this year regardless.”

My hand reaches for the bottle as Saint rises from the seat, edging closer to the glass so his camera can catch the moment he’s been waiting for.

The veil to be lifted on the entire structure of this society, and whose blood will paint the walls for every single crime these serpents have committed.

The faces we’ll now need to look over our shoulder for.

Bodies line up onto the stage, and my gaze flicks to the vodka bottle Saint has lazily dangling from his fingertips, the spotlights from overhead winking against the familiar crystal glass, mocking me as the brand name instantly stirs recognition, the server’s words screaming in my mind.

My hesitant, watery eyes drag across each of the six faces smiling down to their loyal followers, names I know matching each of their identities personally, applause erupting around us as each of the hierarchy of Omnia line the stage.

The crack that ruptures in my chest roars above it all.

Childhood memories burning away like a lighter held to a photograph.

The oxygen is finally snatched from me as I slink to my weakened knees to the floor, clutching the pain in my chest that’s destroying me from the inside out.

My intense, cold stare locks with a set of eyes that mirror my very own.

To be continued.